7 -Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all Goal
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Energy efficiency standards

Develop a policy to ensure that all renovations/new buildings follow energy efficiency

Standards

The University of Anbar has taken significant measures to address the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 7 for 2030, which focuses on energy and climate change. In response to this goal, the university has implemented various policies aimed at conserving energy and mitigating climate change. These policies include a comprehensive energy consumption reduction program, a renewable energy usage policy, and a greenhouse gas reduction program.

 

To effectively reduce energy consumption, the University of Anbar has adopted a range of initiatives. These initiatives involve increasing the use of energy-efficient appliances, exploring cleaner fossil fuel options, promoting the construction of sustainable green buildings, and making strategic investments in renewable energy sources.

 

To ensure the successful implementation of these policies, the university has established a dedicated Sustainable Development Unit. This unit works diligently to uphold energy conservation guidelines, particularly in designated buildings and actively encourages the adoption of energy-efficient practices and the substitution of renewable energy sources within the university community.

The University of Anbar is proud to house one of Iraq's largest power plants within its governorate. However, owing to the connecting of the electricity grid to the governorate to the national grid and its commitment to provide specific electricity rations to other regions, scheduled power outages have become a reality for the governorate. As a result, the province's electricity supply, including the University of Anbar campus, is insufficient to meet high demand. To meet this challenge, the University has developed comprehensive plans aimed at generating electricity during planned power outages while also prioritizing energy conservation measures. The campus has implemented many energy-saving practices, including the use of ENERGY STAR-compatible devices. These measures include the use of transformer air conditioners in lecture rooms to save energy, the installation of roof fans suitable for Iraq's hot and humid climate to reduce reliance on energy-intensive cooling, and the adoption of LEDs throughout the campus to improve overall energy efficiency. In addition, the University has plans to install solar-powered outdoor lighting. Another aspect considered for energy improvement is the integration of thermal insulation into new buildings, which provides multiple advantages such as employee protection, sound management, improved thermal performance, fire protection, condensation control, and enhanced personal comfort. The University of Anbar is committed to effective energy management and constantly seeks ways to achieve greater energy savings through initiatives such as insulation, LED lighting, and the deployment of sustainable technologies.

 

Auto on-off lights   

The University of Anbar has implemented a smart lighting system in some of its campus buildings. These buildings are equipped with motion and light sensors that intelligently control the lighting based on the presence of movement and the availability of natural light. The corridors, adorned with numerous glass windows, allow ample sunlight to penetrate, prompting the sensors to switch off the lights to conserve energy and extend the longevity of the lamps. However, during evening study hours and throughout the evening, the lights automatically illuminate upon detecting any movement in the University of Anbar's corridors, ensuring a well-lit and conducive environment for students and staff.

 

Energy Saving Devices

The University of Anbar has implemented a range of energy-saving initiatives to promote sustainability and efficiency across its campus.

To ensure an uninterrupted power supply during outages, the university utilizes energy-saving devices such as lights, fans, and cooling systems that are designed to charge during periods of non-use. This stored energy is then utilized when power is cut off, allowing for continuous operation.

Diesel Generators

Diesel generators are strategically installed in all University of Anbar buildings to serve as backup power sources in case of emergencies. These generators are managed by a dedicated team of professionals who ensure their efficient operation, optimizing electrical energy consumption within the generators' capabilities.

Large Windows

The university has also taken steps to maximize natural lighting and ventilation throughout its facilities. By enlarging the size of windows in rooms, corridors, and halls, ample sunlight is allowed to enter, creating well-lit spaces and improving overall air circulation. This not only reduces the need for artificial lighting but also enhances the comfort and well-being of students and staff.

Ventilation and lighting

In line with promoting a sustainable environment, the university incorporates internal gardens in all its campuses. These gardens play a vital role in providing natural ventilation, lighting, and warmth, particularly during the winter season.

Cooling system

That is specifically designed to operate effectively under the prevailing outdoor conditions in Iraq.

Fresh Water Production

This innovative system aims to minimize energy consumption while delivering efficient cooling solutions, contributing to a greener and more sustainable campus environment.

Addressing the need for freshwater production, the university has implemented a sophisticated system that combines a solar diffuser, a ground-air heat exchanger (EAHE), and a solar chimney. Solar radiation is utilized to heat water in a solar static pool, which then heats and humidifies incoming dry air. As the heated air passes through a tube, condensation occurs when the wall temperatures of the glass tube and/or EAHE reach the dew point of the moist air. This condensed water is collected and can be utilized for various applications. The system has demonstrated significant water production, with a maximum solar productivity of 157 kg/day in March and 369 kg/day in July for EAHE, amounting to a yearly production of 207.44 kg.

Through these energy-saving devices, strategic use of diesel generators, emphasis on natural lighting and ventilation, eco-friendly cooling systems, and innovative approaches to freshwater production, the University of Anbar demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility on campus.

 

Air pollutant monitoring station

Within the College of Science, the university operates an air pollutant monitoring station that holds great significance in monitoring the atmosphere in the Anbar Governorate. As Anbar is renowned for being a city with substantial oil reserves, the emissions resulting from oil refining residues contribute significantly to air pollution. The monitoring station plays a crucial role in assessing the emission of black carbon and its impact on the city's atmosphere. The data obtained from this station serves as valuable information for research conducted by the Department of Ecology in the College of Science.

 

Agricultural Support  

Recognizing the importance of agriculture in fostering climate improvement, the University of Anbar has launched various programs that provide support to the agricultural sector across all faculties. Many faculties within the university have dedicated greenhouses and incubators that are utilized for cultivating and propagating specific plant varieties. These plants are subsequently used in both indoor and outdoor college gardens, further contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.

 

By emphasizing carbon management and actively working to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the University of Anbar showcases its commitment to environmental stewardship. The operation of the air pollutant monitoring station and the support for sustainable agriculture demonstrates the university's dedication to creating a greener and more sustainable future.

 

Agriculture Support Partnerships

The University of Anbar is actively engaged in preserving the climate and natural resources in the province of Anbar through a significant program that prioritizes forming partnerships and supporting agriculture. As part of this endeavor, the university has collaborated with the Dutch government and the Dutch organization for internationalization education, an independent non-profit organization based in The Hague, Netherlands, is dedicated to promoting capacity building in developing countries.

Under the project titled "Effective Water Management in Iraq through the Transition to Climate-Smart Agriculture: Capacity Building and Knowledge Development," launched in 2019, the University of Anbar plays a pivotal role in supporting sustainable development in the province. This project aims to leverage the university's expertise and resources to foster positive changes in Anbar province.

Upon the successful completion of the project, there is a shared aspiration to expand its impact to other provinces in Iraq. It is believed that the implementation of smart agriculture practices and the reclamation of lands will contribute significantly to the climate transformation in Anbar province. By embracing these sustainable approaches, the University of Anbar envision a future where the climate is positively influenced, leading to enhanced environmental sustainability and resilience in the region.

 

 Bicycles charging for the Environment

For emissions reduction, in addition to reducing the number of parking lots, the University of Anbar has provided a number of Bicycles charging for the Environment for students to move around the campus.

 

The University of Anbar campus has implemented a consistent policy regarding vehicle entry on campus, and the key points of this policy can be summarized as follows:

1-In order to enter the university campus, vehicles must obtain a permit from the Permits Department at the University of Presidency. This applies to all vehicles belonging to university employees, including teaching staff, administrators, and technicians, as they undergo a thorough screening process.

2-The designated parking areas within the campus are exclusively reserved for university employees, while students are required to park their vehicles in the designated areas located outside the university colleges.

3-Students have the option to utilize the assigned parking areas by paying fees set by the university. This approach aims to optimize resources and encourage students to consider alternative transportation options such as public or private mass transportation.

4-The University collects fees from individual renters in exchange for access to the designated parking areas. This step is taken to maximize resources and promote the use of public or private mass transportation, as part of the University of Anbar's resource management strategy.

5-To promote sustainable transportation within the campus, the university has established bicycle parking areas near the university dormitories. This initiative plays a crucial role in reducing emissions and encouraging eco-friendly transportation practices.

6-The presence of ride-hailing applications, within Anbar Governorate has provided convenient and efficient taxi services for many students and employees. This has resulted in a reduction in the use of private cars on the University of Anbar campus, aligning with the university's goal of promoting sustainable transportation options.

 

Direct services in efficient energy

The University of Anbar has implemented several measures to reduce energy consumption and promote the use of renewable energy sources. These initiatives can be summarized as follows:

Significant progress has been made in constructing smart solar buildings at the University of Anbar. These buildings are equipped with 2400-watt solar panels, which generate electricity for lighting, air conditioning (split units), and absorption refrigerators.

An energy station has been established on campus, featuring 10 solar thermal water heaters, each with a capacity of approximately 200 kW. These heaters provide hot water for most of the laboratory buildings during the winter season.

The University of Anbar has plans to install a solar heater on the roof of the shopping book center. This installation will be particularly beneficial during the winter season, leading to a significant reduction in electricity bills and energy consumption.

 

The university's Engineering Department has initiated several industrial projects, focusing on the development of renewable energy systems. These projects explore various methods of heating water using renewable energy sources such as solar evacuated tube collectors, flat plate solar collectors, and parabolic solar dish collectors. Notably, a solar dish collector with a solar tracking system has been designed specifically for water heating purposes.

 

Additionally, there is a plan to install roof-mounted solar panels on the administration buildings and the main restaurant building, aiming to maximize energy efficiency and enhance the visual appeal of the campus.

Solar panels have already been installed on the roofs of medical buildings, providing renewable energy and contributing to the University of Anbar's sustainable practices.

The University of Anbar takes pride in being at the forefront of renewable energy adoption within the region. Since the initiative's inception, the university has actively promoted the use of renewable energy sources through workshops, conferences, and various meetings. By showcasing its efforts in utilizing renewable energy, the University of Anbar encourages other organizations and citizens to embrace sustainable practices in energy consumption.

 

Workshop

The University of Anbar organized a workshop titled "Renewable and Sustainable Energy Sources" to introduce the concept of renewable energy, its sources, the rationale for its adoption, and methods for enhancing energy efficiency within the university. Representatives from various companies participated in the workshop. The workshop strongly advocated the utilization of clean biofuel sources to create a green environment that is free from pollution.

 

Promote a public pledge

To our knowledge, the University of Anbar (UOA) has taken the lead as the first organization within the governorate of Anbar to embrace renewable energy sources. Since 2018, UOA has initiated a project to establish an eco-friendly faculty equipped with renewable energy systems like solar power and biodiesel. The use of renewable energy sources in the Anbar province is highly uncommon, even among the local electricity department. Consequently, UOA actively promotes the adoption of these sources through workshops, conferences, and various meetings, encouraging other organizations and residents to embrace renewable energy solutions.

 

Smart system

The University of Anbar has implemented a smart system in certain university buildings that incorporate motion and light sensors. This advanced system automatically switches off the lights in areas where no movement is detected, thereby optimizing energy consumption and extending the lifespan of the lamps. Moreover, the campus buildings are designed with an abundance of glass windows along the corridors, allowing natural sunlight to illuminate the interior spaces. Leveraging this feature, the sensors detect the presence of sunlight and intelligently deactivate the lights, promoting energy efficiency. Conversely, during evening hours and study periods, the smart system detects human movement in the corridors and automatically activates the lights to provide appropriate illumination.

Green Building

To enhance energy efficiency at the University of Anbar, our approach to constructing facilities and centers involves incorporating large windows that facilitate ample sunlight penetration into rooms, corridors, and halls on campus. This design choice not only maximizes natural lighting but also ensures optimal ventilation throughout the buildings.

 

Using Energy saving devices

We employ energy-saving devices such as lights, fans, and cooling systems that utilize a charging mechanism during periods of non-use. This allows us to store energy for later use, particularly during power outages.

 

LED Lightings

To further optimize energy consumption, we have replaced conventional room and laboratory lamps across all University of Anbar buildings with energy-efficient alternatives, including LED lamps.

Convert water into clean energy

Many energy reports have called for the need to expand hydropower projects as one of the renewable and clean sources of energy that many countries in the world rely on to play a key role in reducing emissions and achieving carbon neutrality.

 

Typically, power plants from water are located on or near the water source, and the volume of water flow and change in altitude - or decrease, often referred to as head - determines from point to point the amount of energy available in water transport.

 

Employing the solar energy

Furthermore, we have embraced the utilization of solar energy by implementing solar system panels. This initiative significantly reduces our reliance on the national electricity provider and minimizes the consumption of diesel fuel in our generators

 
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